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Argentina strengthens competition body

Published on August 22, 1997.

BUENOS AIRES -- A new, reformed version of Argentina's Anti-monopolies Law is expected to be passed by Congress in September.

The new law contains a number of changes to current regulations, including the introduction of a seven-member tribunal that will determine the existence of monopolistic practices. Proceedings are expected to become more transparent and the responsibilities of regulating bodies will be increased, said Argentina's Secretary of Industry, Trade and Mining, Alieto Guadagni.

Among its new duties, the Anti-monopolies Commission will have the right to intervene in any mergers which may imply a degree of market concentration. Nevertheless, Guadagni pointed out that the role of the Commission will not be to seek out existing monopolies but to look for monopolistic practices that deter competition.

Among the sectors the Commission is expected to take on in the future are soft drink bottling, airline ticket reservation systems and agro-industry manufacturing.